"hope that Rooney will be fit and ready to play in 8 wks time"
- no chance, I've believe that he is worst than was first believed (just heard this on TalkSport
).
As for the reason for so many injuries, take your pick:
a) Football boots are too soft, do not give enough protection.
b) Pitches are much harder than before.
c) Kids feet are too soft, as they grew up wearing trainer shoes (sneakers).
d) The game is played at a faster pace.
[IMHO] England still have a good chance, its being held in Europe (where South American teams don�t do as well) and we have a wealth of good players.